Charybdis

noun

Cha·​ryb·​dis kə-ˈrib-dəs How to pronounce Charybdis (audio)
 also  shə-,
 or  chə-
: a whirlpool off the coast of Sicily personified in Greek mythology as a female monster compare scylla

Did you know?

The Strait of Messina is the narrow passage between the island of Sicily and the "toe" of Italy's "boot". In Greek mythology, two monsters hovered on either side of the strait. Scylla, a female monster with six snake-like heads, each with pointed teeth, barked like a dog from the rocks on the Italian side. Charybdis, on the Sicilian side, caused a whirlpool by swallowing the waters of the sea three times a day. When Odysseus attempted to sail between them, he encountered disaster on both sides. Being caught between Scylla and Charybdis is a lot like being between a rock and a hard place.

Examples of Charybdis in a Sentence

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This incident nudges the crypto community between the Scylla of crime and Charybdis of censorship. David G.w. Birch, Forbes, 14 Mar. 2025 The Charybdis to Elliot’s Scylla were those who opposed the new strategy as one giving up on being green. Robert G. Eccles, Forbes, 3 Mar. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Latin, from Greek

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Charybdis was in the 15th century

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Cite this Entry

“Charybdis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Charybdis. Accessed 29 Mar. 2025.

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